Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.

Novel deployment devices for use as adjuncts with tissue repair implants. The devices are removeably mounted to mesh tissue repair implant devices to manipulate the devices into position and provide for secure fixation about the periphery of such mesh implant devices by providing guide structures such as grooves for directing and positioning a surgical tacking instrument.

An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.

Systems for delivering a sheet-like implant including a means of deploying and orienting the sheet-like implant within the body.

A medical device including a mesh prosthesis having a first mesh layer affixed to a second mesh layer along a perimeter area. An enclosure is defined between the first and second layers and extends inwardly from the perimeter area. An opening in the first layer passes through the first layer to the enclosure. A fixation guide template defines a guide pocket within the enclosure. A resilient deployment structure is removably disposed within the enclosure and extending toward the perimeter area. The resilient deployment structure has an elasticity that generates a resilient deployment force for urging the mesh prosthesis to a deployed configuration from a non-deployed configuration. A shield projection extends outwardly from a perimeter of the resilient deployment structure and is engaged within the guide pocket to prevent relative rotational movement between the resilient deployment structure and the mesh prosthesis. A method of using a medical device is also included.

Formulations of shape memory polymer (SMP) are integrated with several existing clinically available medical fabrics. The SMP portion of a SMP integrated fabric can be fabricated in varying thicknesses with the minimum thickness determined by the thickness of the underlying fabric and up to almost any thickness. Integration of the SMP with the base fabrics does not alter the shape memory functionality of the SMP. The design tools for controlling activation rate for traditional SMP materials thus apply to SMP integrated fabrics. SMP integrated fabrics may also be steam sterilized without loss of shape memory functionality.

A suture-less pelvic implant system and method is provided for treating pelvic conditions, such as incontinence or vaginal prolapse. The implant can include a fixation portion, which may be rectangular or suture line, having a plurality of fixation elements, e.g., barbs, extending therefrom to fixate within target pelvic tissue, such as the vaginal apex. In a sacralcolpopexy, an opposing end or anchor of the implant is fixated within the sacrum or like structure to stabilize, raise, support or reposition the vaginal apex.

A space in a muscle wall such as the inguinal canal is dilated by a plunger-based mechanism to break up fibrotic bands by divulsion. While the space is dilated a dynamic plug is advanced into it, with the plug expanding and contracting with the space.

A method of preventing or reducing the occurrence and/or development of a hernia within a subject at risk of developing a hernia includes implanting a graft material in contact with an opening in an abdominal wall. The graft material promotes healing of the abdominal wall and includes placental or placental derived tissue.

The present invention relates to the treatment of persons with urinary incontinence. More particularly, the invention extends to a set of introducers (also commonly referred to as tunnelers) shaped to accommodate the Altis® suburethral sling (Coloplast Corporation), which is commonly used in surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.